How to apply to a graduate program
We’re thrilled that you’re considering the Jacobs School of Music for your graduate studies!
Step 1: Apply to the IU Graduate School
Apply to the IU Graduate School by December 1. The application fee is $70.
If you are a current JSOM graduate student, your process is different! Apply for a new graduate program here.
Step 2: Apply to the Jacobs School of Music
After you apply to IU, you must also submit the Jacobs School Supplemental Application.
The Jacobs application deadline is December 1, and the application fee is $95.
Letters of recommendation and prescreen (if applicable) must be submitted with your Jacobs School of Music Supplemental Application. You will upload your prescreen materials to this application, and list email addresses for three recommenders who will receive a secure link to upload their letters after you submit this application.
Step 3: Submit supporting materials to Jacobs
Arrange to have the following materials sent to the Jacobs School of Music via mail or email (documents must be sent directly from institutions or testing centers):
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- GRE score (only for Music Theory, and Musicology applicants)
- TOEFL score (if your native language is not English)
Our address is:
Office of Music Admissions and Financial Aid
East Studio Building JS 100
201 E. Third Street
Bloomington, IN 47405
Phone: 812-855-7998
Fax: 812-856-6086
Email: musicadm@indiana.edu
Step 4: Complete your audition and/or interview
Complete an audition and/or interview, as applicable to your program. Please visit your department's audition page for information on this year's updated audition procedures.
Special note for international students
If you are applying as an international student, you will need to submit additional documents to both Jacobs and the Office of International Services.
Learn more about application requirements for international students
Additional application information
If your native language is not English, you must submit a TOEFL score, demonstrating your level of English proficiency.
Minimum scores
- Bachelor of Music and Master of Music applicants: 84 (internet), 223 (computer), 560 (paper)
- Performer Diploma and Artist Diploma applicants: 65 (internet), 183 (computer), 510 (paper)
- Doctor of Music applicants: 100 (internet), 250 (computer), 600 (paper)
Applicants in Voice (all), Piano (D.M. only), Conducting, Musicology, and Graduate Music Education must submit scores by December 1, 2020. All other applicants must submit scores by March 1, 2021. There are no exceptions to these requirements and scores must be submitted in order for an admission decision to be made.
You should expect an admissions decision from us no later than April 1, 2021. The enrollment response date for graduate students is April 15, 2021 and for undergraduate students is May 1, 2021.
The Jacobs School Supplemental application gives you the opportunity to express your preference for individual faculty members.
Studio Placement is based on space availability in faculty studios and student requests. Upon admission, please reach out directly to your preferred teacher to confirm your studio. All incoming students are guaranteed placement with a faculty member by orientation week.
Spring admission (students beginning in January) is limited and is dependent upon space availability in individual departments.
For optimal merit-based financial aid consideration, fall admission is encouraged.
Please contact the Office of Music Admissions if interested in spring admission.